Silas Marner, George Eliot
In addition to reading and discussing the book, you will also be required to read an article analyzing
Silas Marner. (No, I will not give you the title of this article now…you will have to wait.) It is a critical
analysis of the book with a different perspective on Eliot’s characterization of each character.
While reading you will need to keep up with the following:
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Notes on Eliot’s time period and biographical information
The significance of the novel’s epigraph
Identify and analyze foreshadowing events throughout the novel
Define the difference between religion and superstition within the novel
Themes in the novel: redeeming power of unselfish love, justice/injustice and retribution,
isolation versus community
List the evidence of class distinction and compare to today’s class distinctions
George Eliot includes statements of general truth about life – keep up with two of these
aphorisms – explain how they are operated in both today’s society and the novel
Identify and analyze the use of symbolism
Identify and analyze significant lines and quotes in the novel
All of the above notes will be taken up for a grade during the final test over the novel. An essay
analyzing a theme in the novel will also be assigned.
Before reading, we will discuss these questions:
1. What are the consequences of being the victim of lies, gossip, or rumors?
2. If you had three minutes to evacuate your home because of a fire, what would you try to
save? Explain your choices.
3. How does home environment influence people? Give examples.
4. What is essential for happiness? Defend your choices.
5. Some people are lucky, while others never have good fortune. True or false? Explain.
6. What connections does social class have with happiness or with responsibility, both personal
and social?
Tentative Schedule:
9/19 Thursday
9/25 Wednesday
10/3 Thursday
10/16 Wednesday
10/24 Thursday
Chapters 1-5 discussion – possible quiz
Chapters 6-10 discussion – possible quiz
Chapters 11-16 discussion – possible quiz
Chapters 17-22 discussion – possible quiz
Final Test, Paper Due re: theme, & Notebook Check